Bunching resistant absorbent article

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article, such as a pantiliner, is provided having excellent resistance to bunching. The absorbent article exhibits a Bunching Resistance in the range of about 205 g to 450 g and may be formed with an absorbent core comprising at least two absorbent layers having different Gurley Stiffnesses.

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article havingexcellent resistance to bunching. The absorbent article exhibits aBunching Resistance in the range of about 205 g to about 450 g and maybe formed with an absorbent core comprising at least two absorbentlayers having different Gurley Stiffesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner,diaper, incontinence pad, or inter labial article typically comprises aliquid permeable cover on its body facing side, a barrier on its garmentfacing side, and an absorbent core in between. A common problem withabsorbent articles is bunching and deformation of the article due tomovement of the person wearing it. Bunching and deformation in turnimpair the ability of the article to absorb exudates from the body.

[0003] Several suggestions for solving the problem of bunching have beenmade. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,886,513 to Mason, Jr. et al.discloses a pad comprising a flexibly stiff reinforcing member tomaintain the pad's shape. The reinforcing member may be for example astrip of polyethylene extending around the periphery of the pad.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,609,588 to DiPalma et al. and U.S. Pat. No.5,803,920 to Gilman et al. relate to the use of a resilient layer ofnon-absorbent foam in a sanitary napkin. The resilient layer is said toresist bunching during use of the napkin, so that the napkin has reducedtwisting and bunching.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,208 to Ashton et al. discloses an absorbentarticle with an absorbent core having improved integrity by virtue ofthe presence of a primary core integrity layer. The primary coreintegrity layer is made of a liquid impervious mesh of thermoplasticmaterial, preferably a hot melt adhesive.

[0006] U.S Pat. No. 4,973,325 to Sherrod et al. relates to an absorbentarticle having a transfer member positioned between two side-by-sideabsorbents. The transfer member is said to allow the absorbent articleto flex in the middle and conform to the body of the wearer, therebyreducing bunching.

[0007] U.S Pat. No. 5,575,786 to Osborn recites in claim 1 a sanitarynapkin comprising absorbent portions aligned along the longitudinalcenterline of the napkin and peripheral portions aligned adjacent to theabsorbent portions. The peripheral portions have a different stiffnessthan the absorbent portions, and the difference in stiffness is claimedto substantially prevent bunching of the napkin when the napkin issubjected to lateral stresses.

[0008] Despite these attempts at maintaining the physical integrity ofabsorbent articles, an absorbent article having even betteranti-bunching properties is needed. Applicants have identified a classof such absorbent articles. Specifically, the present invention providesan absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner, diaper,incontinence pad, or an inter labial article, in particular a thinabsorbent article, comprising in sequence a liquid permeable cover, anabsorbent core, and a barrier, having a caliper of less than 0.2 inches,a length of less than about 8 inches, a width of less than about 4inches, and a Bunching Resistance of at least about 205 g. Preferably,the absorbent article comprises an absorbent core comprising at leasttwo absorbent layers having different Gurley Stiffnesses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising insequence a liquid permeable cover, an absorbent core, and a barrier,wherein the absorbent article has a caliper of less than about 0.2inches, a length of less than about 8 inches, a width of less than about4 inches, and exhibits a Bunching Resistance of about 205 g to about 450g.

[0010] The present invention further provides an absorbent articlecomprising in sequence a liquid permeable cover, an absorbent corecomprising at least two absorbent layers having different GurleyStiffesses, and a barrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pantiliner according to theinvention.

[0012]FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus used for the Curved LongitudinalBending Test.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The absorbent article may for example be a sanitary napkin, apantiliner, a diaper, incontinence pad, inter labial article, or othersimilar product for absorbing exudates from the body, such as menses,urine, and feces. Preferably, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkinor a pantiliner. Such sanitary napkin or pantiliner may have anapproximately rectangular, oval, dogbone, or peanut shape. The absorbentarticle is thin, i.e., having a caliper of less than about 5 mm.Preferably, the caliper of the absorbent article is less than about 3mm, more preferably less than about 2.5 mm. The absorbent article has alength of less than about 8 inches, preferably 7 inches, and a width ofless than about 4 inches, preferably less than about 3 inches.

[0014]FIG. 1 depicts a pantiliner according to the invention, and isused for purposes of illustration in the following description of theinvention. The pantiliner shown in FIG. 1 comprises in sequence from itsbody-facing side 1 to its garment-facing side 2 a liquid permeable cover3, an absorbent core 4, and a barrier 5. The liquid permeable cover 3 ofthe absorbent article may be formed from any fluid pervious materialthat is comfortable against the skin and that permits fluid to penetrateto the absorbent core, which retains the fluid. A variety of materialsare known for this purpose, and any of these may be used. The covershould retain little or no fluid in its structure to provide arelatively dry surface next to the skin. The cover may be a fibrousnon-woven fabric made of fibers or filaments of polymers such aspolyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or cellulose. Alternatively, thecover may be formed from an apertured polymeric film. The thickness ofthe cover may vary from approximately 0.001 to 0.062 inch, depending onthe material chosen. Generally, the liquid permeable cover 3 is a singlesheet of material having a width sufficient to cover the body-facingside 1 of the article.

[0015] The absorbent article further comprises a barrier 5 on itsgarment facing side 2. The barrier is typically liquid impermeable andmay comprise any thin, flexible, material such as a polymeric film, forexample, polyethylene, polypropylene, or cellophane. Alternatively, thebarrier may be a normally fluid permeable material that has been treatedto be impermeable, such as impregnated fluid repellent paper ornon-woven fabric material, or a flexible foam, such as polyurethane orcross-linked polyethylene. If higher Bunching Resistance is desired, afoam, particularly a closed cell foam, may be used as the barrier. Thebarrier may be a single or multilayer structure, and may also be“breathable,” that is liquid impermeable and vapor permeable. Thethickness of the barrier when formed from a polymeric film typically isabout 0.0005 to 0.002 inch. A variety of materials are known in the artfor use as barriers, and any of these may be used.

[0016] Generally, the barrier 5 has a width sufficient to cover thegarment-facing side 2 of the absorbent article. The barrier may extendaround the sides of the absorbent core in a C-shaped configuration withthe portions of the barrier that are adjacent its longitudinal edgesextending upwardly from the garment facing side toward the body facingside of the article.

[0017] The absorbent core 4 comprises at least one absorbent layer 6. Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, the absorbent core comprises atleast two absorbent layers having different Gurley Stiffnesses. GurleyStiffness is measured by TAPPI T543 om-94.

[0018] For example, the absorbent core may comprise two absorbentlayers, one having a high Gurley Stiffness, i.e., greater than about100, preferably greater than about 120, more preferably greater thanabout 150, milligrams, and one having a low Gurley Stiffness, i.e., lessthan about 50, preferably less than about 40, more preferably less thanabout 35, milligrams. When two absorbent layers are employed, the firstabsorbent layer proximal the liquid permeable cover has a low GurleyStiffness, i.e., less than about 50 milligrams, and the second absorbentlayer proximal the barrier has a high Gurley Stiffness, i.e., greaterthan about 100 milligrams.

[0019] Alternatively, the absorbent core may comprise three absorbentlayers with alternating Gurley Stiffnesses: high/low/high orlow/high/low. Similarly, the absorbent core may comprise four or moreabsorbent layers with alternating high and low Gurley Stiffnesses, asdesired.

[0020] In another embodiment, the absorbent core comprises a singleabsorbent layer having zones with different Gurley Stiffnesses. Suchzones may result in Gurley Stiffness variations along the length, width,or thickness, or combinations of these, of the absorbent layer.

[0021] Construction of an absorbent core comprising absorbent layers ofdiffering Gurley Stiffnesses advantageously provides the absorbentarticle with stiffness and flexibility simultaneously. The high GurleyStiffness layer provides rigidity and stability, while the low GurleyStiffness layer provides flexibility and suppleness. The total effect ofthis combined structure results in an absorbent article having superioranti-bunching properties as well as flexibility.

[0022] One particularly useful absorbent core comprises two absorbentlayers of thermobond airlaid fibrous web with one or more superabsorbentpolymers in between. The first absorbent layer proximal the body facingside of the article comprises about 50 to 65% pulp, the remainder beinga combination of polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers andpolyethylene/polyester bicomponent fibers, and has a Gurley Stiffness inthe range of about 20 to about 50, preferably about 25 to about 35,milligrams. The second absorbent layer proximal the garment facing sideof the article comprises less than about 50% pulp, the remainder being acombination of polyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers andpolyethylene/polyester bicomponent fibers, and has a Gurley Stiffness ofabout 100 to about 200, preferably about 135 to about 175, milligrams.

[0023] The absorbent article may be applied to the crotch of underpantsby placing the garment facing side of the absorbent article against theinside surface of the crotch of the underpants. Strips of pressuresensitive adhesive 7 may be applied to the garment facing side 2 of theabsorbent article to help maintain it in place. As used herein, the term“pressure-sensitive adhesive” refers to any releasable adhesive orreleasable tenacious means. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesivesinclude for example water-based adhesives such as acrylate adhesives.Alternatively, the adhesive may comprise rapid setting thermoplastic“hot melt” rubber adhesives or two-sided adhesive tape.

[0024] A paper release strip 8 that has been coated on one side, may beapplied to protect the strips of adhesive 7 prior to use. The coating,for example silicone, reduces adherence of the coated side of therelease strip to the adhesive. The release strip can be formed from anysuitable sheet-like material which, when coated, adheres with sufficienttenacity to the adhesive to remain in place prior to use but can bereadily removed when the absorbent article is to be used.

[0025] The absorbent article may comprise other known materials andlayers, such as transfer layers, foam layers, odor control agents,construction adhesives, all of which are known in the art. The absorbentarticle can optionally be embossed with decorative designs usingconventional techniques.

[0026] The absorbent core may optionally contain superabsorbentpolymers, either in one of more absorbent layers, or preferably inbetween the absorbent layers. Superabsorbent polymers are used toincrease the liquid management properties of absorbent articles, such ascapacity and retention of fluids. The amount of superabsorbent polymercontained by the absorbent article may range from about 0.1 to about 5grams, preferably from about 0.2 to about 2.5 grams, more preferablyfrom about 0.3 to about 1 grams.

[0027] The absorbent article has a Bunching Resistance of about 205 toabout 450 g, preferably about 250 to about 360 g. Bunching Resistance ismeasured by the Curved Longitudinal Bending Test, which is carried outon an anatomically shaped apparatus as shown in FIG. 2. The apparatuscomprises two smooth, convex, stainless steel plates 50 placed at a 40degree angle from one another to form a v-shaped trough 51. The widestdistance (at the top) between the plates 52 is 73 mm and the narrowestdistance (at the bottom) 53 is 18 mm. A vertically movable, curved padholder 54 is supported by a shaft 55 and centered between the plates 50.The shaft 55 is connected to a tensionmeter 56. The holder 54 is placedperpendicular to the horizontal axis of the two plates 50. Thetensionmeter 56 measures the compression force needed to deform a samplelengthwise in the narrow gap 53 of 18 mm. The tensionmeter is initiallyset at 50 kg. The shaft speed is set at 50.0 centimeters per minute perfull stroke length. Any release paper is removed from the absorbentarticle prior to placement in the apparatus, and talc powder is appliedto exposed positioning adhesive to provide a tackless surface. Thearticle is placed, with cover facing down and the barrier facing up, inthe holder 54, and the shaft 55 is actuated. The peak loads are measuredfor 5 cycles. Values are reported as peak Load 1, peak load 5, and %drop between load 1 and load 5.

[0028] The Bunching Resistance of the present absorbent article is veryhigh, higher than that of known absorbent articles of similar thickness.The low level of bunching experienced with these products provides amore comfortable body facing surface against the skin and avoids theformation of channels that encourage the fluid to flow laterally out ofthe absorbent article.

[0029] The following non-limiting examples further illustrate theinvention.

EXAMPLES 1-15 and A-II

[0030] A series of pantiliners having thicknesses in the range of 0.06to 0.2 inches were subjected to the Curved Longitudinal Bending Testusing the apparatus shown in FIG. 2. Examples A-II were commerciallyavailable pantiliners, while Examples 1-15 were pantiliners of theinvention.

[0031] Specifically, the pantiliners of Examples 1-15 comprised a liquidpermeable cover, an absorbent core comprising two absorbent layers, anda barrier. The absorbent layer adjacent the liquid permeable cover wasmade of about 50 to 65% pulp, the remainder being a combination ofpolyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers and polyethylene/polyesterbicomponent fibers. The absorbent layer adjacent the barrier was made ofless than about 50% pulp, the remainder being a combination ofpolyethylene/polypropylene bicomponent fibers and polyethylene/polyesterbicomponent fibers. It should be noted that the pantiliners of Examples6-10 were handmade samples.

[0032] The results are given in the Tables. TABLE 1 Invention ExampleBend Resistance [g] 1 298.1 2 293 3 296.1 4 246.4 5 271 Mean: 280.92 6186 7 165.1 8 175.6 9 183.3 10 166.8 Mean: 175.36 11 259.3 12 238.4 13243.4 14 261.5 15 231 Mean: 246.72

[0033] TABLE 2 ALWAYS ALLDAYS* Example Bend Resistance [g] A 198.4 B196.3 C 173.9 D 170.5 E 201.4 Mean: 188.1

[0034] TABLE 3 ALLDAYS Light* Example Bend Resistance [g] F 197.2 G192.1 H 190.9 I 204 J 192 Mean: 195.24

[0035] TABLE 4 KOTEX Lightdays** Example Bend Resistance [g] K 102.0 L104.7 M 98.9 N 101.9 O 82.1 P 75.4 Q 85.1 R 94.3 S 88.1 T 101.5 Mean:93.4

[0036] TABLE 5 CAREFREE To Go*** Example Bend Resistance [g] U 55.1 V49.3 W 39.5 X 45.7 Y 39.2 Z 49.3 AA 46.3 BB 53.1 CC 36.8 DD 41.4 EE 43.2FF 44.3 GG 48.9 HH 38.8 II 42.1 Mean: 44.9

EXAMPLES 16-35

[0037] Ten, two layer absorbent cores of the same type used in thepantiliners of Examples 1-15 were tested for Gurley Stiffness asfollows. In each case, the two absorbent layers were separated from eachother, and the Gurley Stiffness of each layer was measured according toby TAPPI T543 om-94. The results are shown in Table 6 and 7. Examples16-25 were the absorbent layers proximal the covers of the pantiliners(5 g weight in the 2 inch position, factor 11.1). Examples 26-35 werethe absorbent layers proximal the barriers of the pantiliners (25 gweight in the 2 inch position, factor 55.6). TABLE 6 Gurley StiffnessExample Milligrams 16 36.075 17 24.975 18 31.635 19 30.525 20 28.86 2135.52 22 40.515 23 25.53 24 27.195 25 30.525 Average 31.14

[0038] TABLE 7 Gurley Stiffness Example Milligrams 26 155.68 27 183.4828 155.68 29 169.58 30 144.56 31 177.92 32 183.48 33 150.12 34 177.92 35166.8 Average 166.52

EXAMPLE 37

[0039] Several commercially available pantiliners and two having thesame construction as the pantiliners of Examples 1-15 were tested forcomfort with groups of consumers. The consumers were asked to use thepantiliners and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 for comfort to wear. Theresults are given in Table 8. TABLE 8 Comfort Average Rating for Comfortto Number of Product Wear (0--10) Women Kao* 7.5 104 KOTEX Lightdays*7.6 140 ALLDAYS Light** 8 153 Invention 8.5 140 ALWAYS Alldays*** 77 140Invention 8 140

We claim:
 1. An absorbent article comprising in sequence a liquidpermeable cover, an absorbent core, and a barrier, wherein the absorbentarticle has a caliper of less than about 0.2 inches, a length of lessthan about 8 inches, a width of less than about 4 inches, and exhibits aBunching Resistance of about 205 g to about 450 g.
 2. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the Bunching Resistance is at about 250 g toabout 360 g.
 3. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the absorbentcore comprises at least two absorbent layers having different GurleyStiffnesses.
 4. The absorbent article of claim 3, wherein the absorbentcore comprises a first absorbent layer proximal the liquid permeablecover having a Gurley Stiffness of less than about 50 milligrams and asecond absorbent layer proximal the barrier having a Gurley Stiffnessgreater than about 120 milligrams.
 5. The absorbent article of claim 3,wherein the absorbent core comprises three absorbent layers in sequence,wherein the first and third layers sandwich the second layer and havethe substantially the same Gurley Stiffness, while the second layer hasa different Gurley Stiffness.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 1,wherein the absorbent core comprises one absorbent layer having a GurleyStiffness that varies along its length or width.
 7. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbentpolymer.
 8. An absorbent article comprising in sequence a liquidpermeable cover, an absorbent core comprising at least two absorbentlayers having different Gurley Stiffnesses, and a barrier.
 9. Theabsorbent article of claim 8 having a caliper of less than about 0.2inches, a length of less than about 8 inches, and a width of less thanabout 4 inches.
 10. The absorbent article of claim 8, wherein theabsorbent core comprises a first absorbent layer proximal the liquidpermeable cover having a Gurley Stiffness less than 50 milligrams and asecond absorbent layer proximal the barrier having a Gurley Stiffnessgreater than 120 milligrams.
 11. The absorbent article of claim 9,wherein the absorbent core comprises superabsorbent polymer.